Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Southwest! This Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew is not just a meal—it's a mouthwatering experience that combines tender, fall-apart pork with the bold, smoky heat of green chiles. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of slow-cooked meat, spices, and that signature southwestern kick that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 can green chiles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Season the pork cubes generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, making sure each piece is well-coated with the spices.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, preparing them for layering in the slow cooker.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the seasoned pork cubes in batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Transfer the browned pork cubes to the slow cooker, layering them evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions and minced garlic over the pork cubes.
- Pour the can of green chiles and chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is mostly covered with liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until the pork is tender and easily falls apart.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and accompanied by warm tortillas or rice.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful pork, take time to properly brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker. This caramelization step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
- Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) to ensure your stew remains juicy and tender during the long, slow cooking process.
- If you prefer a spicier stew, opt for hot green chiles or add a diced jalapeño to increase the heat level.
- Don't rush the cooking time. The 6-hour slow cook allows the meat to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your cumin and oregano in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before adding to the meat.
- If you want to thicken the stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the rich stew.
- This stew freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
